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Queen City Boys #3
Just Like Honey
Can He Paint His Muse into 36 Views of Seattle?
Artist Ryan Ikeda’s domestic bliss shatters after an invitation to join a career-launching gallery show in 1990s Seattle. His artistic uncertainty and secret desires, dangerous as turpentine and flame, threaten to torch his bond with Ben, his handsome boyfriend and muse.
Suddenly, instability rocks every aspect of Ryan’s his grandmother’s sinking health, his friends moving on to new jobs, even his apartment is endangered. Worst of all, Ben’s work demands more time away from home, the overload of changes jeopardizing the stability of their open relationship.
Ryan’s long-time friends advise him to jump headlong in to the colorful Seattle art scene. However, Ryan’s deep examination of his creative needs outline new demands for his life with Ben. Striving for both balance and success, Ryan faces the greatest risks of his personal and professional life.
Just Like Honey peeks inside working artists’ studios, cruises the 1990s Seattle bar scene, and eavesdrops on artists gossiping about their competitors at hot gallery shows, while Ryan and Ben explore the communication and tenderness required for a deep, open relationship.
This book contains depictions of racism, and death/grief.
Artist Ryan Ikeda’s domestic bliss shatters after an invitation to join a career-launching gallery show in 1990s Seattle. His artistic uncertainty and secret desires, dangerous as turpentine and flame, threaten to torch his bond with Ben, his handsome boyfriend and muse.
Suddenly, instability rocks every aspect of Ryan’s his grandmother’s sinking health, his friends moving on to new jobs, even his apartment is endangered. Worst of all, Ben’s work demands more time away from home, the overload of changes jeopardizing the stability of their open relationship.
Ryan’s long-time friends advise him to jump headlong in to the colorful Seattle art scene. However, Ryan’s deep examination of his creative needs outline new demands for his life with Ben. Striving for both balance and success, Ryan faces the greatest risks of his personal and professional life.
Just Like Honey peeks inside working artists’ studios, cruises the 1990s Seattle bar scene, and eavesdrops on artists gossiping about their competitors at hot gallery shows, while Ryan and Ben explore the communication and tenderness required for a deep, open relationship.
This book contains depictions of racism, and death/grief.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Ajax Bell
4 books45 followersA Seattle native, Ajax Bell writes queer fiction, including the Queen City Boys books, an interrelated series of standalone stories. Spanning four decades in Seattle, Queen City Boys tells the explicit adventures of an eclectic group of gay friends as they find their way through the ends and beginnings of their most important relationships.
According to Ajax the best thing in life is a perfect Pacific Northwest spring day spent on a sunny bench with a good book. Never a sea captain, but a background in library sciences and a lifetime of pencil pushing together left Ajax with a rich fantasy life and a compulsive need to write it down. No matter what the task, Ajax always has the right pair of shoes. One day Ajax hopes to own a genetically altered hippopotamus the size of a small dog.
According to Ajax the best thing in life is a perfect Pacific Northwest spring day spent on a sunny bench with a good book. Never a sea captain, but a background in library sciences and a lifetime of pencil pushing together left Ajax with a rich fantasy life and a compulsive need to write it down. No matter what the task, Ajax always has the right pair of shoes. One day Ajax hopes to own a genetically altered hippopotamus the size of a small dog.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 25, 2017
Updated to include my full review from https://justlovereviews.com/
4.5 Stars
Just Like Honey proved to be a lush and absorbing read that lived up to its title – it left a sweet taste in my mouth and a smile on my lips. I’m a big fan of the author’s Queen City Boys series, an unapologetic and unabashed love letter to the city of Seattle but I must say Bell has outdone themselves with this release, which pays tribute to the city’s Asian American community as well as its arts scene.
The story takes place in the late 90’s (1997 to be exact) which totally appealed to my headbanging, flannel-rocking Gen X little heart, but the book is far from a grunge era cliche. Once again, the author brings Seattle to life – even for someone who’s never visited – not only with intimate descriptions of the city streets, but by deftly capturing the spirit of the times through the eyes of main character Ryan and a sweeping cast of supportive characters.
The story itself started out pretty slow for me. To be honest, I’m not sure if this was a pacing thing, or because of my initial concerns with where Ryan’s story was headed. As an Asian reader who’s experienced enough careless representation, I must admit it took me a while to warm up to his character (who’s third generation Japanese American) and equally as important, his art (which reflects his heritage). I also had to do some quick Googling to familiarize myself with some of the early art references, so that factored into my slow start as well.
In any case, the sluggish and somewhat repetitive start reflected Ryan’s anxious and chaotic state of mind to a T when we first meet him. Professionally, his confidence was at an all-time low and his career was nowhere close to taking off despite making a name for himself in his art school days. While his peers had moved on to enjoy various degrees of success in the thriving Seattle arts scene, Ryan had instead chosen to perfect his craft away from the public eye. A decade later, the pressure to show his work was all but overwhelming, despite the fact that he still didn’t feel ready.
In many ways, his relationship with his boyfriend Ben was also in a rut. Besides his inability to express his true self emotionally or sexually, the two of them simply never got to spend any time together. Having said that, they enjoyed a robust and healthy open relationship and were clearly in their element when they chose to engage with a third. Seeing them together – as a couple or with a third – was beautiful and precious but a lot of the time, you could cut through the tension between them with a knife. Their arguments were devastatingly brutal and real, and left me holding my breath – a sure sign I was committed in their story.
While Ryan’s relationship with Ben was at the core of the story, Just Like Honey was ultimately about growth and discovery, as well as family and community. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic arc, but these other elements were what made the book truly shine for me. Ryan’s story had a lot of meat to it and I daresay Bell’s writing did his journey justice and kept me invested at every turn. Watching him grow as an artist, a son, a partner and dominant – while also exploring his roots and honoring his heritage – was such a fulfilling experience. Just seeing him and Ben learn to communicate with each other was huge. Speaking of which, I may or may not have ugly cried after a huge gamble Ryan took in the bedroom paid off. Plus you know it’s good when the smoking hot sex makes you cry.
The substantial cast of characters was vividly portrayed – and so racially diverse! In spotlighting the Asian American community, I thought the author succeeded at not only portraying the characters as unique individuals (and not some monolithic collective), but also representing the different ethnicities that make up the community. Once you add in the arts crowd and the familiar faces from the rest of the series, the sense of community was unmistakable and it underscored Seattle as a sort of oversized small town. It was awesome to revisit some of my favorite characters from the past (Steve’s all grown up!), but I have to say that my favorite moments in this book were Ryan’s quiet conversations with his Gramma Sue and her friend Mrs. Hino.
If you’re looking to lose yourself in a rich, finely woven and complex story of life and love in late 21st century Seattle, you can’t go wrong with Just Like Honey and the Queen City Boys series. It may not have the back alley grit of Bad Reputation or This Charming Man, but it’s no less beautifully raw and intensely honest with just the right amount of sweet.
4.5 Stars
Just Like Honey proved to be a lush and absorbing read that lived up to its title – it left a sweet taste in my mouth and a smile on my lips. I’m a big fan of the author’s Queen City Boys series, an unapologetic and unabashed love letter to the city of Seattle but I must say Bell has outdone themselves with this release, which pays tribute to the city’s Asian American community as well as its arts scene.
The story takes place in the late 90’s (1997 to be exact) which totally appealed to my headbanging, flannel-rocking Gen X little heart, but the book is far from a grunge era cliche. Once again, the author brings Seattle to life – even for someone who’s never visited – not only with intimate descriptions of the city streets, but by deftly capturing the spirit of the times through the eyes of main character Ryan and a sweeping cast of supportive characters.
The story itself started out pretty slow for me. To be honest, I’m not sure if this was a pacing thing, or because of my initial concerns with where Ryan’s story was headed. As an Asian reader who’s experienced enough careless representation, I must admit it took me a while to warm up to his character (who’s third generation Japanese American) and equally as important, his art (which reflects his heritage). I also had to do some quick Googling to familiarize myself with some of the early art references, so that factored into my slow start as well.
In any case, the sluggish and somewhat repetitive start reflected Ryan’s anxious and chaotic state of mind to a T when we first meet him. Professionally, his confidence was at an all-time low and his career was nowhere close to taking off despite making a name for himself in his art school days. While his peers had moved on to enjoy various degrees of success in the thriving Seattle arts scene, Ryan had instead chosen to perfect his craft away from the public eye. A decade later, the pressure to show his work was all but overwhelming, despite the fact that he still didn’t feel ready.
In many ways, his relationship with his boyfriend Ben was also in a rut. Besides his inability to express his true self emotionally or sexually, the two of them simply never got to spend any time together. Having said that, they enjoyed a robust and healthy open relationship and were clearly in their element when they chose to engage with a third. Seeing them together – as a couple or with a third – was beautiful and precious but a lot of the time, you could cut through the tension between them with a knife. Their arguments were devastatingly brutal and real, and left me holding my breath – a sure sign I was committed in their story.
While Ryan’s relationship with Ben was at the core of the story, Just Like Honey was ultimately about growth and discovery, as well as family and community. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic arc, but these other elements were what made the book truly shine for me. Ryan’s story had a lot of meat to it and I daresay Bell’s writing did his journey justice and kept me invested at every turn. Watching him grow as an artist, a son, a partner and dominant – while also exploring his roots and honoring his heritage – was such a fulfilling experience. Just seeing him and Ben learn to communicate with each other was huge. Speaking of which, I may or may not have ugly cried after a huge gamble Ryan took in the bedroom paid off. Plus you know it’s good when the smoking hot sex makes you cry.
The substantial cast of characters was vividly portrayed – and so racially diverse! In spotlighting the Asian American community, I thought the author succeeded at not only portraying the characters as unique individuals (and not some monolithic collective), but also representing the different ethnicities that make up the community. Once you add in the arts crowd and the familiar faces from the rest of the series, the sense of community was unmistakable and it underscored Seattle as a sort of oversized small town. It was awesome to revisit some of my favorite characters from the past (Steve’s all grown up!), but I have to say that my favorite moments in this book were Ryan’s quiet conversations with his Gramma Sue and her friend Mrs. Hino.
If you’re looking to lose yourself in a rich, finely woven and complex story of life and love in late 21st century Seattle, you can’t go wrong with Just Like Honey and the Queen City Boys series. It may not have the back alley grit of Bad Reputation or This Charming Man, but it’s no less beautifully raw and intensely honest with just the right amount of sweet.
February 26, 2018
The difficulties of a relationship are the main story here but there is so much more.... art, culture, friends, and families.
Their relationship isn't going well... more of a nose dive. No space or time to spend together, desperately trying to stick together but more of a feeling that they were slowly drifting apart.
They always had an open relationship, room for a third but somehow Ryan wants Ben to be his submissive but he’s so afraid to open up. Bad and traumatic memories stop him, and
there is a lot of flirting with other men. The threesome(s) were splendidly done; very sensual, steamy, intense and the afterglow when they were with just the two of them....sigh.
They have different views on life especially with Ryan's art making it hard. They communicate laboriously...They have to find a way to compromise or else it will never work and are destined to be apart.
The pressure is almost not bearable for Ryan, he has to expose his art and he is so not ready. Never enough, never exposing exactly what he wants to expose.
Seeing Ryan work with his art was just breathtaking I could visualize every stroke. How he wandered through his mind and how he visualized his muse.
His art is almost a bliss and a curse.
The heartbreaking moment when Ryan comes to terms with his anxieties about his artistic qualities, hearing an immense important fact from a big name in the art world. I sniffed some tears away because I felt his walls crumble.
The growth of both men in this relationship is wonderfully done!
Ben flaying Ryan bit by bit, necessary and required because if he didn’t he would stay closed.
Ryan’s need to dominate Ben in a way Ben will never leave him is somewhat desperate.
By assuming things instead of communicating, they both make the wrong decisions. Even if it's because they want the other to be happy.
When they are finally on the same track it's just breathtaking, heavily emotional and intense. The switch in Ryan was illuminating and liberating you could feel it on every page.
Ryan has a wonderful personality and Ben ahhh Ben with his unconditional love for Ryan. Both men are outstanding in this story! Together in the bedroom was almost art, intense and emotional. I devoured every move, touch, and command.
This is an amazingly written story with a lot of details described: lots of art, streets, buildings, parks, fashion. There are many friends, exes, and family members in this story and everyone has a purpose, with all the different cultures beautiful fused together.
The road in this story is wide and there are many turns but they all lead to the main path. Ryan and Ben beside each other on their journey.
It was a hard but constructive road and I loved every inch!!
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
Their relationship isn't going well... more of a nose dive. No space or time to spend together, desperately trying to stick together but more of a feeling that they were slowly drifting apart.
They always had an open relationship, room for a third but somehow Ryan wants Ben to be his submissive but he’s so afraid to open up. Bad and traumatic memories stop him, and
there is a lot of flirting with other men. The threesome(s) were splendidly done; very sensual, steamy, intense and the afterglow when they were with just the two of them....sigh.
They have different views on life especially with Ryan's art making it hard. They communicate laboriously...They have to find a way to compromise or else it will never work and are destined to be apart.
The pressure is almost not bearable for Ryan, he has to expose his art and he is so not ready. Never enough, never exposing exactly what he wants to expose.
Seeing Ryan work with his art was just breathtaking I could visualize every stroke. How he wandered through his mind and how he visualized his muse.
His art is almost a bliss and a curse.
The heartbreaking moment when Ryan comes to terms with his anxieties about his artistic qualities, hearing an immense important fact from a big name in the art world. I sniffed some tears away because I felt his walls crumble.
The growth of both men in this relationship is wonderfully done!
Ben flaying Ryan bit by bit, necessary and required because if he didn’t he would stay closed.
Ryan’s need to dominate Ben in a way Ben will never leave him is somewhat desperate.
By assuming things instead of communicating, they both make the wrong decisions. Even if it's because they want the other to be happy.
When they are finally on the same track it's just breathtaking, heavily emotional and intense. The switch in Ryan was illuminating and liberating you could feel it on every page.
Ryan has a wonderful personality and Ben ahhh Ben with his unconditional love for Ryan. Both men are outstanding in this story! Together in the bedroom was almost art, intense and emotional. I devoured every move, touch, and command.
This is an amazingly written story with a lot of details described: lots of art, streets, buildings, parks, fashion. There are many friends, exes, and family members in this story and everyone has a purpose, with all the different cultures beautiful fused together.
The road in this story is wide and there are many turns but they all lead to the main path. Ryan and Ben beside each other on their journey.
It was a hard but constructive road and I loved every inch!!
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
December 15, 2017
4.5 stars
(please see Rafa's review if you want something comprehensive and intelligent; otherwise keep reading)
Full disclosure: I was fortunate enough to be a beta-reader for this book so you can take that into consideration when you read this.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I think what Ajax Bell has done with this series as a whole is really lovely because they've given each book in the trilogy a different vibe, but still connected them through the characters and the setting.
Ryan Ikeda is a young, talented artist who has yet to make his mark on the Seattle art scene. His work, much like his relationship with boyfriend Ben, is at a bit of a standstill until an unexpected invitation to join a career-making art show forces him to confront what he desires most from his art and from his relationship.
I loved everything about Ryan and Ben, mostly because their relationship felt very real. Ryan uses his mistakes in a past relationship to avoid moving things forward with Ben, and Ben uses his very busy work and social life to avoid arguing about that with Ryan. But when they are in moments of detente, it's magic. The two men have an open relationship that works for them, sometimes sharing partners, sometimes not. But Ryan's unspoken desire - his need - to dominate Ben causes him to hold back a part of himself which only results in further misunderstandings. Fear not, they do get their HEA, but they do need to work for it first.
The side-characters here, especially Ryan's bf Vee, are all engaging and delightful. Plus it's nice to see some old friends from previous books make a few appearances. It's worth noting that Just Like Honey easily manages a diverse cast of characters, without making any of them feel like a stereotype. I can't tell you how refreshing that is.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I do suggest that you read Ajax Bell's other books in this series, if only because you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you don't. But either way, if you're looking for an engaging story and great characters, I think you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.
(please see Rafa's review if you want something comprehensive and intelligent; otherwise keep reading)
Full disclosure: I was fortunate enough to be a beta-reader for this book so you can take that into consideration when you read this.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I think what Ajax Bell has done with this series as a whole is really lovely because they've given each book in the trilogy a different vibe, but still connected them through the characters and the setting.
Ryan Ikeda is a young, talented artist who has yet to make his mark on the Seattle art scene. His work, much like his relationship with boyfriend Ben, is at a bit of a standstill until an unexpected invitation to join a career-making art show forces him to confront what he desires most from his art and from his relationship.
I loved everything about Ryan and Ben, mostly because their relationship felt very real. Ryan uses his mistakes in a past relationship to avoid moving things forward with Ben, and Ben uses his very busy work and social life to avoid arguing about that with Ryan. But when they are in moments of detente, it's magic. The two men have an open relationship that works for them, sometimes sharing partners, sometimes not. But Ryan's unspoken desire - his need - to dominate Ben causes him to hold back a part of himself which only results in further misunderstandings. Fear not, they do get their HEA, but they do need to work for it first.
The side-characters here, especially Ryan's bf Vee, are all engaging and delightful. Plus it's nice to see some old friends from previous books make a few appearances. It's worth noting that Just Like Honey easily manages a diverse cast of characters, without making any of them feel like a stereotype. I can't tell you how refreshing that is.
While this book can be read as a standalone, I do suggest that you read Ajax Bell's other books in this series, if only because you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you don't. But either way, if you're looking for an engaging story and great characters, I think you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.
December 20, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest revie.
4.5 stars.
This is a new to me author: when Annie and I received an inquiry about this ARC, I was sold hook, line and sinker, by the blurb.
Somehow this book was not quite what I expected, but who even cares because it was so. much. more. I really, intensely loved this one. The prose is beautiful. Bell’s take on Ben and Ryan’s open relationship was sweet and sexy and hit all the right notes. The fact that the lack of jealously enables them both to enjoy their partner having a good time, enjoying themselves — alone or with each other — was really great. As a person who does not get romantically jealous, I loved how spot on it felt. I often feel like threesome scenes can be too logistical and weird when I read them, but Bell’s are really well executed. You’re not thrown off by too much “what goes where” and “who does what” to get pulled out of the scene. Even with a third, Ben and Ryan are just to beautiful together and toward each other, my heart was consistently melting (and thumping, because yowza, sexy!)
Often I find that books about existing romances can be hard to pull off. In removing the “will they or won’t they” from the story, the author has to create tension that carries the reader from the get-go, which is not easy to do without falling on cliched stories about misunderstandings. Bell does not fall into this trap at all. This is very well done.
What I love in this story is that under all of what is happening in Ryan’s life, in their lives, I trusted that Ryan and Ben would be together. It was lovely to watch real life and real world frustrations appear in a story, to know their heft and feel how hard they are to navigate, but to feel this sort of calm kernel of trust under it all. Bell made both characters shine, and they made how they are uniquely right for each other come brightly through at all times.
There are elements of this story that really moved me. Ryan’s grandmother — in fact his connection to community and heritage and his understanding of it — how it develops and how it changes as he changes, were lovely. Ryan waking up to who he is as an artist is wonderful. I also think Bell did a great job of showing us the ways in which Ryan holding back particular desires in intimacy was correlated to how he understood intimacy based on past heartbreak. There’s no doubt he loves Ben — but there’s no doubt that so many factors in his life are tied to how he loves him, how he shows him, how he comes to see his own art and what makes him happy. Basically, there’s a lot going on, because it’s complicated. As life and love and growing are. Bell really does an amazing job weaving these multiple threads without it seeming heavy handed or transparent. They created complex characters being real, complex people, and working these things out individually, together, and with community.
After I read this book I went and bought the other two books in this series, if only because there are *so* many side characters whose stories I also wanted to know, and I knew that their stories would be wonderful as well. It was a great exercise as well because I got to watch Bell’s growth as a storyteller and as a writer. The prose in this book is beautiful. We all know I’m a sucker for gorgeous prose.
My tiny criticism (tiny) was how much Ryan struggled with wanting to talk to and experience the d/s dynamic with Ben. I know it was important for the story about Ryan’s fear of total intimacy, but there were moments when it felt a little unbelievable (for example, Ryan’s desire to see Ben on his knees in an intimate moment, and saying he’d never asked for that. Maybe this is colored by my experience, but that didn’t seem like a totally out of bounds position between two people who aren’t practicing d/s? Perhaps I misunderstood though). But honestly, these little niggles were so fleeting. In fact I only really caught them on my second read of the book (yes, I read it twice, it’s that good).
I highly recommend this book and author. In fact, I’d advise you to pick them all up, and prepare to fall in love with Seattle through the decades and with these characters.
4.5 stars.
This is a new to me author: when Annie and I received an inquiry about this ARC, I was sold hook, line and sinker, by the blurb.
Somehow this book was not quite what I expected, but who even cares because it was so. much. more. I really, intensely loved this one. The prose is beautiful. Bell’s take on Ben and Ryan’s open relationship was sweet and sexy and hit all the right notes. The fact that the lack of jealously enables them both to enjoy their partner having a good time, enjoying themselves — alone or with each other — was really great. As a person who does not get romantically jealous, I loved how spot on it felt. I often feel like threesome scenes can be too logistical and weird when I read them, but Bell’s are really well executed. You’re not thrown off by too much “what goes where” and “who does what” to get pulled out of the scene. Even with a third, Ben and Ryan are just to beautiful together and toward each other, my heart was consistently melting (and thumping, because yowza, sexy!)
Often I find that books about existing romances can be hard to pull off. In removing the “will they or won’t they” from the story, the author has to create tension that carries the reader from the get-go, which is not easy to do without falling on cliched stories about misunderstandings. Bell does not fall into this trap at all. This is very well done.
What I love in this story is that under all of what is happening in Ryan’s life, in their lives, I trusted that Ryan and Ben would be together. It was lovely to watch real life and real world frustrations appear in a story, to know their heft and feel how hard they are to navigate, but to feel this sort of calm kernel of trust under it all. Bell made both characters shine, and they made how they are uniquely right for each other come brightly through at all times.
There are elements of this story that really moved me. Ryan’s grandmother — in fact his connection to community and heritage and his understanding of it — how it develops and how it changes as he changes, were lovely. Ryan waking up to who he is as an artist is wonderful. I also think Bell did a great job of showing us the ways in which Ryan holding back particular desires in intimacy was correlated to how he understood intimacy based on past heartbreak. There’s no doubt he loves Ben — but there’s no doubt that so many factors in his life are tied to how he loves him, how he shows him, how he comes to see his own art and what makes him happy. Basically, there’s a lot going on, because it’s complicated. As life and love and growing are. Bell really does an amazing job weaving these multiple threads without it seeming heavy handed or transparent. They created complex characters being real, complex people, and working these things out individually, together, and with community.
After I read this book I went and bought the other two books in this series, if only because there are *so* many side characters whose stories I also wanted to know, and I knew that their stories would be wonderful as well. It was a great exercise as well because I got to watch Bell’s growth as a storyteller and as a writer. The prose in this book is beautiful. We all know I’m a sucker for gorgeous prose.
My tiny criticism (tiny) was how much Ryan struggled with wanting to talk to and experience the d/s dynamic with Ben. I know it was important for the story about Ryan’s fear of total intimacy, but there were moments when it felt a little unbelievable (for example, Ryan’s desire to see Ben on his knees in an intimate moment, and saying he’d never asked for that. Maybe this is colored by my experience, but that didn’t seem like a totally out of bounds position between two people who aren’t practicing d/s? Perhaps I misunderstood though). But honestly, these little niggles were so fleeting. In fact I only really caught them on my second read of the book (yes, I read it twice, it’s that good).
I highly recommend this book and author. In fact, I’d advise you to pick them all up, and prepare to fall in love with Seattle through the decades and with these characters.
December 29, 2017
Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design.
Review originally posted on BackPorchReader.com
The books in this series, The Queen City Boys, are bittersweet and authentic glimpses into the days of a semi-recent yesteryear. A time, for me, that feels not so long ago. They span the 80s, into the 90s and the era of power ballads. And…that’s kind of what they are, grunge-streaked love songs and heart-rending odes to a place and time when the last strands of innocence were being stripped away as we counted down to the dawning of a new century we couldn’t yet envision.
I fell in absolute love with the first two books and have not-so-patiently but very, very quietly bounced in my seat in anticipation of this newest book. Because I don’t want to be that person, pestering an author, with when, when, whens and GIMME IT NOWs. They take as long as they take, and it’s always worth the wait.
Just Like Honey was everything I hoped, nothing I expected, but an achingly sweet treat.
It dives headlong into the cut-throat Art Scene of Seattle and is utterly fascinating due to the who-knows-who gossipy business that has the power to make or break a career. Drama y’all, painted up all pretty on the surface but has some twisted hues underneath.
And it brushes up beautifully with a cultural exploration into Ryan’s heritage, one he’s trying to grasp and honor in his art without a whole lot of help from his family. He has pieces he tries to fit together into a tableau he can mold and shape into his art to share with the world, only it might be too late.
We dive right into a relationship that’s in a precarious place, somewhat on the rocks, and could honestly go either way. In fact, I kept waiting for everything to fall apart irreparably and I expected to bite my nails to the quick while Ryan got down to the business of picking up the pieces. But that’s not quite what this is. And it’s sort of rare, I think, for romance to introduce us to and explore the ups and downs of a relationship in progress. I appreciated that immensely as a bit of a twist to what I’ve become used to.
Ryan is caught in that in-between place where everything is fine, but not exactly what he needs. The boyfriend situation…fine. His art…fine. His friendships…fine. It’s okay. It’s treading water. It’s safe, mostly. But it’s not everything it could be or should be for complete happiness. And he knows this and becomes restless as what ifs start bubbling to the surface.
Ryan’s world gets turned on its ear and those little whispers of is this okay, is this my life, and what if I… start getting louder and can no longer be ignored and the people who love him and know him best prod him to clear away the fog.
The open relationship he shares with Ben that has always worked in the way they needed is now, well, not as fulfilling as it once was. Can he talk to Ben about what he needs and be heard? And just how open is Ben to reshaping their dynamic?
Ryan’s art is glorious, but doesn’t feel like his authentic voice…but what is that voice? Is it the one that he keeps hidden in the back of the closet because someone once said a thing that’s made him doubt himself? Should he press on and embrace what truly inspires him, or throw in his brushes for good?
Ryan faces problems and challenges, that alone feel insurmountable, but are still daunting when you have a partner who doesn’t always feel entirely present. He struggles, and angsts, and pushes at his boundaries and…(not spoiling!)
This is about deeper levels of trust and communication with those you love, taking chances, getting out of your own way and following dreams — reshaping those dreams and figuring out what to sacrifice to make them come true. And do we really need to sacrifice anything at all?
The writing is gorgeous. I can swear I feel Ajax’s soul on these digital pages. Every word and action cuts to the bone with raw sensuality and so much depth I didn’t want it to end.
Review originally posted on BackPorchReader.com
The books in this series, The Queen City Boys, are bittersweet and authentic glimpses into the days of a semi-recent yesteryear. A time, for me, that feels not so long ago. They span the 80s, into the 90s and the era of power ballads. And…that’s kind of what they are, grunge-streaked love songs and heart-rending odes to a place and time when the last strands of innocence were being stripped away as we counted down to the dawning of a new century we couldn’t yet envision.
I fell in absolute love with the first two books and have not-so-patiently but very, very quietly bounced in my seat in anticipation of this newest book. Because I don’t want to be that person, pestering an author, with when, when, whens and GIMME IT NOWs. They take as long as they take, and it’s always worth the wait.
Just Like Honey was everything I hoped, nothing I expected, but an achingly sweet treat.
It dives headlong into the cut-throat Art Scene of Seattle and is utterly fascinating due to the who-knows-who gossipy business that has the power to make or break a career. Drama y’all, painted up all pretty on the surface but has some twisted hues underneath.
And it brushes up beautifully with a cultural exploration into Ryan’s heritage, one he’s trying to grasp and honor in his art without a whole lot of help from his family. He has pieces he tries to fit together into a tableau he can mold and shape into his art to share with the world, only it might be too late.
We dive right into a relationship that’s in a precarious place, somewhat on the rocks, and could honestly go either way. In fact, I kept waiting for everything to fall apart irreparably and I expected to bite my nails to the quick while Ryan got down to the business of picking up the pieces. But that’s not quite what this is. And it’s sort of rare, I think, for romance to introduce us to and explore the ups and downs of a relationship in progress. I appreciated that immensely as a bit of a twist to what I’ve become used to.
Ryan is caught in that in-between place where everything is fine, but not exactly what he needs. The boyfriend situation…fine. His art…fine. His friendships…fine. It’s okay. It’s treading water. It’s safe, mostly. But it’s not everything it could be or should be for complete happiness. And he knows this and becomes restless as what ifs start bubbling to the surface.
Ryan’s world gets turned on its ear and those little whispers of is this okay, is this my life, and what if I… start getting louder and can no longer be ignored and the people who love him and know him best prod him to clear away the fog.
The open relationship he shares with Ben that has always worked in the way they needed is now, well, not as fulfilling as it once was. Can he talk to Ben about what he needs and be heard? And just how open is Ben to reshaping their dynamic?
Ryan’s art is glorious, but doesn’t feel like his authentic voice…but what is that voice? Is it the one that he keeps hidden in the back of the closet because someone once said a thing that’s made him doubt himself? Should he press on and embrace what truly inspires him, or throw in his brushes for good?
Ryan faces problems and challenges, that alone feel insurmountable, but are still daunting when you have a partner who doesn’t always feel entirely present. He struggles, and angsts, and pushes at his boundaries and…(not spoiling!)
This is about deeper levels of trust and communication with those you love, taking chances, getting out of your own way and following dreams — reshaping those dreams and figuring out what to sacrifice to make them come true. And do we really need to sacrifice anything at all?
The writing is gorgeous. I can swear I feel Ajax’s soul on these digital pages. Every word and action cuts to the bone with raw sensuality and so much depth I didn’t want it to end.
April 7, 2024
I'm always onboard for open relationships and non-white MCs so this story had two things going for it off the bat. Racism in society and in the local dating culture was tackled on page. The story takes a little while to get going as we meet Ryan, a third-generation Japanese-American artist, who is struggling with where his highly-talented art is meant to be taking him. In his professional moments, he does brushwork art with a deep homage to his Japanese heritage. In his off moments, he secretly - without Ben's knowledge - creates lush personal paintings of his boyfriend Ben. With the problem that Ben has said he hates seeing artists putting their significant others on display. So he hides what may be his best work away.
The relationship between the two men is also in flux. They have been apart a lot, and one of the ways they connect is by bringing home a third. Ryan identifies as a Dom but Ben doesn't sub, so they tend to bring home a third who does. Except Ryan has never told Ben that he has desires in the bedroom between the two of them he hasn't dared ask for. So when it's just the two of them, there's a tension building. They've begun arguing about a lot of aspects of their relationship, despite the solid core of love they both feel is there.
The Seattle setting is vivid, and there are interesting characters moving in the background, particularly with Ryan's family. Knowing the side characters from previous stories would probably add a little depth but I didn't feel it was essential. Some of the strongest moments were Ryan's conversations with secondary characters (note, secondary character death)
The book was frustrating at times with a back and forth relationship movement and various unspoken truths getting in the characters' way. In some ways this feels more like a tapestry than a linear journey. Ryan is somewhat ruthless in the pursuit of his art, and that's both very believable and a flaw. He's also been almost unbelievably unwilling to open up to Ben and the single POV narrative made it harder to connect with Ben. But the conclusion is satisfying.
The relationship between the two men is also in flux. They have been apart a lot, and one of the ways they connect is by bringing home a third. Ryan identifies as a Dom but Ben doesn't sub, so they tend to bring home a third who does. Except Ryan has never told Ben that he has desires in the bedroom between the two of them he hasn't dared ask for. So when it's just the two of them, there's a tension building. They've begun arguing about a lot of aspects of their relationship, despite the solid core of love they both feel is there.
The Seattle setting is vivid, and there are interesting characters moving in the background, particularly with Ryan's family. Knowing the side characters from previous stories would probably add a little depth but I didn't feel it was essential. Some of the strongest moments were Ryan's conversations with secondary characters (note, secondary character death)
The book was frustrating at times with a back and forth relationship movement and various unspoken truths getting in the characters' way. In some ways this feels more like a tapestry than a linear journey. Ryan is somewhat ruthless in the pursuit of his art, and that's both very believable and a flaw. He's also been almost unbelievably unwilling to open up to Ben and the single POV narrative made it harder to connect with Ben. But the conclusion is satisfying.
December 20, 2017
This is a great story. The five stars are for the author who created it, for her wisdom in seeking help writing about an artist, and about a ethnicity not her own (there's a bibliography at the end). I loved Ryan and I adored Ben and it was neat to see the other characters through Ryan's eyes - just the sort of mix you want in a series. This whole series has been great. But this one is my favorite; I am a sucker for artists.
That said... I'm distrustful of this publisher. The many typos are bad enough, but the two technical issues are worse: 1) You don't lube and then apply a condom. This happens several times - but not every time, which somehow made it worse; and 2) both hands are involved during a sex scene that happens before a cast is removed. Popped me right out of the story, that one. I wish there was a separate rating for publishers. They'd get three stars, for being smart enough to work with this author and for (apparently) sacrificing edits in favor of ethnic research and sensitivity reading. If you have to choose, then yes, that's the one I'd choose, too. But you should not have to choose! I'm hardly the only reader who notices these things.
DESPITE those issues, I recommend all three books, very highly, and this one in particular.
That said... I'm distrustful of this publisher. The many typos are bad enough, but the two technical issues are worse: 1) You don't lube and then apply a condom. This happens several times - but not every time, which somehow made it worse; and 2) both hands are involved during a sex scene that happens before a cast is removed. Popped me right out of the story, that one. I wish there was a separate rating for publishers. They'd get three stars, for being smart enough to work with this author and for (apparently) sacrificing edits in favor of ethnic research and sensitivity reading. If you have to choose, then yes, that's the one I'd choose, too. But you should not have to choose! I'm hardly the only reader who notices these things.
DESPITE those issues, I recommend all three books, very highly, and this one in particular.
December 14, 2017
4 Stars!
When I requested this book, I failed to read the part where it features an open relationship between the MCs, so even if it's not my cup of tea, I forged forward and read it, even if I don't really understand the concept, so I will not get into that and try not to let my thoughts on the matter color my review other than in this paragraph.
Ryan and Ben were very likable and relatable, for the most part. They had great chemistry and they seemed to fit well together, despite the fact that Ben's work and Ryan's artistic endeavors and their insecurities play a big part in creating troubles in their relationship.
The secondary characters gave depth to the story and even if I wish I could've throat-punched Travis, even he had a purpose in the book.
The book is well-written and I think the author has a great grasp and did a lot of research in the era and art, as it's obvious with the detail she put into the story. Some parts of it dragged a bit, as perhaps there was too much detail, but other than that, the book is poignant, angsty, interesting and gives the reader a view into what Seattle had to offer in the artistic circles in the 90's. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
When I requested this book, I failed to read the part where it features an open relationship between the MCs, so even if it's not my cup of tea, I forged forward and read it, even if I don't really understand the concept, so I will not get into that and try not to let my thoughts on the matter color my review other than in this paragraph.
Ryan and Ben were very likable and relatable, for the most part. They had great chemistry and they seemed to fit well together, despite the fact that Ben's work and Ryan's artistic endeavors and their insecurities play a big part in creating troubles in their relationship.
The secondary characters gave depth to the story and even if I wish I could've throat-punched Travis, even he had a purpose in the book.
The book is well-written and I think the author has a great grasp and did a lot of research in the era and art, as it's obvious with the detail she put into the story. Some parts of it dragged a bit, as perhaps there was too much detail, but other than that, the book is poignant, angsty, interesting and gives the reader a view into what Seattle had to offer in the artistic circles in the 90's. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
February 23, 2018
Do not be put off by what might seem like a slow start because you will soon be captured by the need to understand Ryan's needs and motivations. This is truly much more than a story about a man who seems to have lost his way both with his relationship and his career. Reading Just Like Honey caused me to have a whopper of a book hangover.
There is so much more than you anticipate and the journey the reader takes is both unexpected and beautiful.
Ryan knows that he is a talented artist but he is consumed by self-doubt alternating with the knowledge that he can create beauty. In a sense, this is a story of Ryan’s relationship with himself.
But then we have other relationships, so many complex relationships. The character’s connection with his boyfriend Ben, with mentors and with extended family, and even more importantly with his own mixed Japanese-American culture and family history. Ryan is weighted down by the expectations of his family or is it his perception of the expectations of his family.
The secondary characters are interesting; some eccentric, some a little crazy and all are colorful. So many surprises await the reader but you’ll hear no spoilers from me. 4*
There is so much more than you anticipate and the journey the reader takes is both unexpected and beautiful.
Ryan knows that he is a talented artist but he is consumed by self-doubt alternating with the knowledge that he can create beauty. In a sense, this is a story of Ryan’s relationship with himself.
But then we have other relationships, so many complex relationships. The character’s connection with his boyfriend Ben, with mentors and with extended family, and even more importantly with his own mixed Japanese-American culture and family history. Ryan is weighted down by the expectations of his family or is it his perception of the expectations of his family.
The secondary characters are interesting; some eccentric, some a little crazy and all are colorful. So many surprises await the reader but you’ll hear no spoilers from me. 4*
February 1, 2018
Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Both main characters were flawlessly sweet, and despite their obvious issues as a couple they seemed solid in their relationship. I loved the passion I felt from an artists point of view as I read this. In many ways it's described just as I imagine it to be. 5 stars on that aspect for me.
I am not sure why, but I had a hard time figuring out Ben. I read about Ben and enjoyed Ben's sweetness and nurturing side, but in the end I could never connect to him even though I liked his character. Ryan, on the other hand was easy to connect to.
Sex scenes were so so hot, those alone are worth the read.
I felt the book was a little long. It felt a little dragged out at the beginning especially with all the introductions of ex's and friends which I found hard to follow at times.
All in all this was a good read for me. It actually reminded me that two people can have big problems yet still love each other and still have the passion despite their troubles. I admire couples that can keep the two separate.
I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Both main characters were flawlessly sweet, and despite their obvious issues as a couple they seemed solid in their relationship. I loved the passion I felt from an artists point of view as I read this. In many ways it's described just as I imagine it to be. 5 stars on that aspect for me.
I am not sure why, but I had a hard time figuring out Ben. I read about Ben and enjoyed Ben's sweetness and nurturing side, but in the end I could never connect to him even though I liked his character. Ryan, on the other hand was easy to connect to.
Sex scenes were so so hot, those alone are worth the read.
I felt the book was a little long. It felt a little dragged out at the beginning especially with all the introductions of ex's and friends which I found hard to follow at times.
All in all this was a good read for me. It actually reminded me that two people can have big problems yet still love each other and still have the passion despite their troubles. I admire couples that can keep the two separate.
January 1, 2018
ARC received from author via indigo marketing and design in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, although at first I felt it dragged a bit and I had a hard time getting into the story. I persevered though and what I found was a colorful story full of diverse characters in a very interesting setting. The author did a great job at immersing the reader in the Seattle art scene. It was interesting reading about the art in the story too and seeing them in the studio. It added to the authenticity of the story. It was great descriptive writing. Ryan and Ben have an open relationship but they have a lot of issues going on, which makes for great chemistry, drama, and some angst too.
The writing was excellent. I like when authors use lots of detail that make the story so much richer. Despite the beginning that dragged for me a bit, I loved the feels that rolled off this book. The MCs are very likeable. The secondary characters are full of lots of character and help move the story along, always keeping it interesting.
I enjoyed this book, although at first I felt it dragged a bit and I had a hard time getting into the story. I persevered though and what I found was a colorful story full of diverse characters in a very interesting setting. The author did a great job at immersing the reader in the Seattle art scene. It was interesting reading about the art in the story too and seeing them in the studio. It added to the authenticity of the story. It was great descriptive writing. Ryan and Ben have an open relationship but they have a lot of issues going on, which makes for great chemistry, drama, and some angst too.
The writing was excellent. I like when authors use lots of detail that make the story so much richer. Despite the beginning that dragged for me a bit, I loved the feels that rolled off this book. The MCs are very likeable. The secondary characters are full of lots of character and help move the story along, always keeping it interesting.
June 27, 2018
Ajax Bell is definitely an author to watch for me. I was completely smitten with this trilogy, and this book didn't disappoint.
Just Like Honey proves you can tell a compelling romance story about two people who are already in a committed relationship. I really loved Ryan and Ben, and their open relationship. I thought the balance between communication and misunderstanding was handled really well. Some things may have been resolved if they could have talked sooner, but I really understood why it seemed hard for both of them to open up.
I was happy to check in with Steven and John and Shane and Bash, and meet a whole new cast of characters. Really enjoyed this trilogy, and highly recommend.
Just Like Honey proves you can tell a compelling romance story about two people who are already in a committed relationship. I really loved Ryan and Ben, and their open relationship. I thought the balance between communication and misunderstanding was handled really well. Some things may have been resolved if they could have talked sooner, but I really understood why it seemed hard for both of them to open up.
I was happy to check in with Steven and John and Shane and Bash, and meet a whole new cast of characters. Really enjoyed this trilogy, and highly recommend.
January 4, 2018
I received a copy of Just Like Honey by Ajax Bell via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. There was much I liked about the book. I enjoyed the author’s paeans to Seattle, the close look at the main character Ryan’s artistic thoughts and processes, and the sensitive rendering of the Asian experience in Seattle (with a bibliography at the end). What turned out to be a dealbreaker was an important plot line that was not mentioned in the synopsis, something with which I have enough familiarity to have an informed opinion. The author also deserves credit for writing the next in a series that truly did stand on its own.
December 7, 2022
Arts careers, Asian American culture, loving family and found family, a deeply kind and caring partner… lots of good things in here.
SPOILER
Although it’s not romance genre, there’s an HEA so it’s safe to read.
SPOILER
Although it’s not romance genre, there’s an HEA so it’s safe to read.
November 26, 2018
As good as these books are, I was ready to move on.
Read
January 8, 2018Review to come.
Content Warnings:
Content Warnings:
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